Assistant Vice President, Global Travel Lead

TEAM OVERVIEW

KKR’s Corporate Services and Real Estate team oversees day-to-day and strategic operational activities and includes the office services, hospitality, events, administrative and travel teams. The team is also responsible for administrative support across the firm including training, development, process enhancement, and implementation of best practices. The team is divided into functional areas including Reception, Security, Event Planning, and Facilities. The team also participates in HR processes such as providing recommendations for headcount, developing team building events, and collecting performance feedback.

POSITION SUMMARY

KKR is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and detail-oriented professional to help evolve KKR’s Global Travel program.  This role will provide support to the Global Head of Travel to ensure service excellence and drive ongoing efficiencies and savings across KKR’s travel partners including designated travel company, corporate card, lodging, aviation and ground transportation providers.

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who thrives in a high-touch, high-accountability environment and wants to contribute meaningfully to a mission-critical corporate function.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Program Support

• Serve as the right hand to the Global Head of Travel in day-to-day program execution
• Support strategic initiatives aimed at improving service levels, compliance, and cost savings.
• Maintain alignment between travel policy, company values, and business objectives.
• Help establish governance practices and performance review cadences for the travel program.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Collaborate in the selection, negotiation, and management of key travel vendors (e.g., TMCs, airlines, hotels, ground transportation and corporate card).
• Monitor vendor SLAs, KPIs, and service delivery, holding partners accountable to performance standards.
• Support consolidation efforts, preferred supplier programs, and regional/global alignment of vendor contracts.

Efficiency & Cost Management

• Identify opportunities to streamline travel operations, optimize spending, and improve contract terms.
• Analyze travel program data to recommend changes that reduce costs without compromising service.
• Partner with Finance and Procurement to track savings and budget compliance.

Traveler Experience & Compliance

• Assist in refining and communicating the corporate travel policy to ensure user adoption and policy compliance.
• Support traveler-facing solutions and services to improve satisfaction and reduce friction in the travel booking process.
• Help implement and support duty-of-care protocols and tools to safeguard traveling employees.

Continuous Improvement & Technology Enablement

• Collaborate with tech and operations teams to maintain and improve travel platforms (e.g., booking tools, expense systems).
• Champion automation, simplification, and self-service options within the travel process.
• Stay current on travel trends, risk management practices, and sustainability efforts in corporate travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 8-10yrs experience in corporate travel, procurement, or vendor management (experience in financial services or professional services preferred).
• Proficiency with travel platforms (e.g., Concur, Amex GBT) and Excel/PowerPoint.
• Proven track record in managing or supporting third-party travel suppliers and driving performance.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to inform business decisions.
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working across departments and time zones.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Understanding of duty-of-care, policy compliance, and cost containment strategies in travel.
• Demonstrated ability to work with discretion and professionalism in a high-expectation environment.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage with individuals across all levels in a clear, concise, and professional manner
• Outstanding organization skills to manage multiple demands and projects while prioritizing time efficiently and remaining attentive to detail
• Demonstrated problem solving skills with sound judgement of complex, sensitive, or ambiguous issues
• Superior initiative with a proven track record in process enhancement
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build and develop relationships to collaborate with teams and colleagues
• Team-player that enjoys working in a collaborative and collegial environment with the desire to learn

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